Lib Tech Skate Banana Review – 09/10

Board: Lib Tech Skate Banana 152

Lib Tech Skate Banana 2010

Boots: 32 Lashed / Rome Libertine

Bindings: Rome 390 (Neon) / Union Force

Stance: 17 / -17,   25″

Mountain:

The skate banana always amazes me, although you would think riding a 152 for all mountain would be a little short for a 5′10 160lb guy but surprisingly its not. It performs like a 154 for all mountain and like 156 in the powder, this board is so versatile.  I love only having to take one board for everything from urban to back country kickers. The new skate banana rides just like the last one and when mine breaks I will be picking up another one. This board is definitely a favorite!

Park:

And now back  to the playground…. I love this board, have a mentioned that yet? The skate banana is just so much fun to ride in the park, from rails to kickers the board is so controllable. The swing-weight is low and the board spins so easily it makes 3’s effortless. I love the feel of this board on the rails, and it has given me m

ore confidence in the park. Check out the other review of the 2008/09 banana for a more in depth review.

Summary:

Don’t fix whats not broken… Innovation Of  The Year 2007 (SIA Snowpress), Good Wood Test Winner 2009, Good Wood Test Winner 2010 (Transworld Snowboarder Mag), Platinum Pick Excellence in Design (Snowboard Mag 2008) This board is just truly fun and amazing to ride.

Grades:

Steeps/Speed: C+/B- (for a freestyle deck)

Butter: A+

Jibs: A+

Spin-a-ability: A+

Jumps: A

Pipe: Unknown

Fun: A++++!!!

Edited: November 7th, 2009

Lib Tech Skate Banana – Review

Lib Tech Skate Banana 152

Boots: 32 Lashed / Rome Libertine

Bindings: Rome 390 (Neon) / Rome Targa

Stance: 17 / -17, 25″

Mountain:

I had been waiting to get my hands on this board for a long time;  truthfully, I was as excited as a kid in a candy store! I Went to the mountain, headed up the lift, and we’re off…  First thing I noticed was the firm grip and the strange feeling of the skate banana due to its shape… The board stuck to everything – it was amazing! Its like a snow magnet.  The banana shape was strange at first, but sweet after a few minutes of getting used too.  I was popping so high off of little lips and throwing 3’s effortlessly, and the board seemed catch free yet, grippy.  Down the runs it held up even with speed; it had a little chatter at high speeds, but it’s a 152 park board (so I wasn’t supprised).  The lib tech skate banana was smooth for carving, easy for butters,(especially after it broke in), and had so much pop.  Over the season, I de-tuned (and beat up) the edges for the park and the board was surprisingly still like griptape into the mountain. This board will make you laugh (or giggle like a little school girl) when you ride it. It’s so much fun.

Park:

And now to the playground…. After about 3 laps my jaw was on the gorund. I could not believe that the flexible banana could not only dominate on the rails and boxes but could still hold its own on the jumps.  I’ll start with rails: so much control, so much flex, and so light. Jibbing was so nice with this board; I would recommend any park rat to try this one. The skate banana’s performance on the jumps mirrored the rails and boxes. I loved how, it popped high, spun easily, and was solid on the landings; nothing to complain about. From day one to day 20 on this board the edges held even after the park abuse. After about 10 days this board becomes the butter machine, it’s a dream to ride. I am a fan!!

Summary:

Where do I even start with this one…? Good wood of the year, best of test, need I say more?  The board is sick, pick one up if you can find one!  I love mine

Grades:
Steeps/Speed: C+/B- (for a freestyle deck)
Butter: A+
Jibs: A+
Spin-a-ability: A+
Jumps: A
Pipe: Unknown
Fun: A++++!!!

Edited: July 9th, 2009